Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the incredible world of Jackie Chan? I know I am! For decades, Jackie Chan has been a global icon, captivating audiences with his unique blend of martial arts, acrobatic stunts, and comedic timing. With a career spanning over five decades and more than 150 films, picking just a few "best" movies is no easy task. But fear not! I’ve compiled a list of some absolute must-sees that showcase his incredible talent and enduring appeal. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s explore the top Jackie Chan movies you absolutely need to watch!

Why Jackie Chan is a Legend

Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why Jackie Chan is such a legend. It's not just about the kicks and punches – although he's a master of those! What sets Jackie apart is his incredible dedication to his craft. He famously performs his own stunts, often putting himself in seriously dangerous situations to deliver the most authentic and breathtaking action sequences. This commitment has resulted in numerous injuries throughout his career, but it’s also what makes his films so incredibly thrilling to watch.

Jackie Chan's films are also known for their humor. He seamlessly blends martial arts action with slapstick comedy, creating a style that’s both exciting and hilarious. Think Kung Fu meets Buster Keaton, and you're on the right track. His ability to use everyday objects as weapons – a ladder, a coat rack, even a baby carriage! – adds another layer of comedic brilliance to his fight choreography. Beyond the action and comedy, Jackie Chan brings a certain charm and charisma to his roles. He often plays the underdog, the ordinary guy who rises to the occasion and defeats the bad guys using his wit and skill. This relatability has made him a beloved figure around the world. And let's not forget his amazing on-screen presence. He is always smiling, even when kicking butt.

Must-Watch Jackie Chan Movies

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the absolute best Jackie Chan movies you need to add to your watch list:

1. Drunken Master II (1994)

If you want to see Jackie Chan at his acrobatic best, Drunken Master II is the film to watch. This is considered by many to be the pinnacle of his Hong Kong period. He plays Wong Fei-hung, a legendary folk hero, who uses a drunken fighting style to defeat his enemies. The choreography is simply mind-blowing, with Jackie seamlessly blending incredible martial arts moves with hilarious drunken antics. The final fight scene, in particular, is a masterclass in action cinema. Drunken Master II isn't just about the action, though. It also has a strong comedic element, with Jackie's portrayal of the drunken Wong Fei-hung providing plenty of laughs. The film's success helped to solidify Jackie Chan's status as a global superstar, and it remains one of his most beloved and influential works. The story follows Wong Fei-hung as he battles a corrupt factory owner who is smuggling precious artifacts out of China. Along the way, he must master the drunken boxing style to overcome his opponents. The film is packed with breathtaking stunts, including a memorable sequence where Jackie fights while balancing on a narrow beam. It has amazing stunts that make you want to watch over and over again. The film is a must-see for any fan of martial arts cinema, and it showcases Jackie Chan's unique blend of action and comedy at its finest. And the sound track is very catchy.

2. Police Story (1985)

Police Story is a landmark film in Jackie Chan's career, showcasing his dedication to performing his own stunts and pushing the boundaries of action cinema. He plays a Hong Kong police officer who must protect a key witness from a powerful drug lord. What follows is a non-stop thrill ride filled with incredible fight sequences, daring stunts, and plenty of comedic moments. One of the most memorable scenes involves Jackie Chan sliding down a pole through multiple panes of glass – a stunt so dangerous that it resulted in serious injuries. Police Story is more than just an action film; it’s also a showcase for Jackie Chan’s creativity and his commitment to delivering the most exciting and innovative action sequences possible. It's so iconic it spawned numerous sequels. The film's success led to several sequels, each featuring even more elaborate stunts and action sequences. Police Story remains one of Jackie Chan's most iconic and influential films, and it's a must-see for any fan of action cinema. It is a great example of 80's Hong Kong action cinema. The action choreography is super innovative.

3. Rush Hour (1998)

Rush Hour marked Jackie Chan's breakthrough into Hollywood stardom, pairing him with Chris Tucker in a buddy cop action-comedy that became a massive global hit. Jackie Chan plays a Hong Kong detective who teams up with a loudmouthed LAPD officer (Tucker) to rescue a kidnapped girl. The culture clash between the two leads provides plenty of comedic moments, while the action sequences showcase Jackie Chan’s signature style of martial arts and acrobatics. Rush Hour is a fun, energetic, and highly entertaining film that proved Jackie Chan could appeal to a wider audience beyond Asia. The chemistry between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker is undeniable, and their comedic timing is spot-on. The film's success spawned two sequels, further solidifying Jackie Chan's status as a Hollywood superstar. While it may not be his most groundbreaking film in terms of martial arts, Rush Hour is a significant entry in his filmography due to its impact on his career and its widespread appeal. It's a great action comedy with amazing chemistry between the two leads. This movie did help Jackie get a star on the Hollywood walk of fame.

4. Wheels on Meals (1984)

Wheels on Meals is a fun and action-packed film that showcases Jackie Chan's comedic timing and martial arts skills alongside fellow action stars Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao. The film follows two cousins who run a mobile food truck in Barcelona and become involved in a mission to rescue a beautiful woman from a gang of criminals. The film is known for its elaborate fight sequences, including a memorable showdown between Jackie Chan and Benny “The Jet” Urquidez. Wheels on Meals is a lighthearted and entertaining film that’s perfect for those looking for a fun dose of action and comedy. The interplay between Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, and Yuen Biao is a highlight of the film, and their comedic timing is excellent. The Barcelona setting adds a unique flavor to the film, and the action sequences are inventive and exciting. It's a great example of Hong Kong action cinema at its finest. It is a must watch if you like pizza trucks.

5. Shanghai Noon (2000)

Shanghai Noon blends the martial arts action of Jackie Chan with the Western genre, creating a unique and entertaining film. He plays a Chinese Imperial Guard who travels to the American West to rescue a kidnapped princess. Along the way, he teams up with a train robber played by Owen Wilson, and the two form an unlikely friendship. Shanghai Noon is a fun and lighthearted film that showcases Jackie Chan's ability to adapt his style to different genres. The chemistry between Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson is a highlight of the film, and their comedic timing is excellent. The film's success led to a sequel, Shanghai Knights, which further explored the adventures of their characters. It is fun to watch Jackie Chan in the wild west. If you like westerns and Jackie Chan, then this movie is for you. This movie has horses!

More Jackie Chan Gems to Explore

Okay, guys, so the list above is just scratching the surface. Here are some other amazing Jackie Chan movies that are also worth checking out:

• Project A (1983): A swashbuckling action-comedy set in 19th-century Hong Kong, featuring incredible stunts and fight sequences.
• Armour of God (1986): An Indiana Jones-esque adventure film with Jackie Chan searching for a mysterious artifact.
• Who Am I? (1998): An action-packed thriller where Jackie Chan plays a man with amnesia who must uncover his true identity.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a whirlwind tour of some of the best Jackie Chan movies ever made! From his groundbreaking action choreography to his infectious comedic timing, Jackie Chan has entertained and inspired audiences around the world for decades. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, there's always something new to discover in his vast filmography. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to experience the magic of Jackie Chan! You won't regret it! Don't forget to let me know in the comments which Jackie Chan movie is your favorite!